Chief elected in 'snack of democracy'

PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): People normally find an excuse to say no when their neighbors come and ask them to become neighborhood chief, unless they are threatened with great bodily harm.

The position is generally not sought after with much exuberance because the official receives no pay for his services, unless he has the heart to take the few rupiah his neighbors offer him when they come to him for some menial paperwork.

Residents of Sumampir in west Purwokerto tried to make the election of their neighborhood chief on Sunday a "feast of democracy", just like the June 7 general election.

Several days ahead of election day, the election committee invited the six candidates to discuss their programs in a debate modeled after presidential candidate debates in the United States. The rapt audience was made up of their neighbors.

When the debate was over, the candidates and the audience enjoyed a street dance performed by locals.

Five "polling places" were set up and voting was obligatory for all 232 residents over the age of 17.

"We were inspired by the June 7 elections, which we considered fair and democratic," Suyatno, a member of the neighborhood election committee, said.

Winning the first ever democratic neighborhood chief election was Sukoco, a motorcycle mechanic who garnered 97 votes. His main rival, Paryono, obtained 40 votes and was named secretary. (45)